Casper Stabbing Suspect Denies Charges; Has Long Criminal History

A Casper man denied charges related to an alleged stabbing that required the victim to receive surgery.

Jesse Beach appeared in Natrona County District Court Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to two counts of aggravated assault related to the alleged June 16 stabbing. Typically, aggravated assault carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years behind bars.

However, because of a long criminal record, those charges carry a "habitual criminal" enhancement that could spell a life sentence.

Natrona County District Attorney Dan Itzen listed those convictions during Tuesday's hearing:

September 2004: Possession of stolen property - Snohomish County, Washington

May 2005: Robbery - Snohomish County, Washington

June 2009: Buying and receiving stolen property - Fremont County

May 2009: Theft - Fremont County

February 2012: Assault and battery on a corrections officer - Carbon County

According to an affidavit of probable cause, Casper police were called to the Normandy Apartments on June 16 for a reported stabbing. When they arrived, they found the victim whose "intestines were hanging out of his side" and the victim may have suffered a head injury.

Police learned that the stabbing was preceded by drinking and a physical fight.

Following an argument, Beach allegedly lunged at the victim. A witness described hearing the victim cry out that he was being stabbed.

Beach remains in custody on $500,000 cash or surety bond as of 3 p.m. Tuesday.